Amomyrtus (Burret) Legrand & Kausel (1947), in the family Myrtaceae, contains 2 species in South America, of which one, A. luma (Molina) Legrand & Kaus., often known as Myrtus lechleriana Miq., is commonly cultivated.

Description Trees to 7m, or shrubs, with smooth and whitish or scaly bark. The leaves are opposite, simple, evergreen, and aromatic, reddish when young. The flowers are scented, solitary or up to 6 in a cluster, in the leaf axils. Sepals 5, equal, joined at the base; petals 5, creamy white, rounded. Stamens white, numerous. Ovary inferior, with 2 or 3 fused carpels containing few ovules; style 1. Pollination is presumed to be by bees. The fruits are red to black berries with 4–6 hard, woody seeds.

Key Recognition Features The 5-lobed calyx and clusters of creamy white flowers, which open flat.

Evolution and Relationships Very similar to Luma, which differs in its larger leaves with shorter stalks, and an always 2-celled ovary usually with numerous seeds. Amomyrtus flowers in spring, Luma in late summer.

Ecology and Geography In open or shady riversides and moist places in southern Chile and southwestern Argentina.

Comment Amomyrtus luma is an attractive tree, without the striking bark of the more familiar Luma apiculata, but producing more numerous flowers. It is good in gardens in the milder parts of western Europe, and in colder areas will do well in an unheated glasshouse.